Today’s story is a fashion story. My favorite kind of story. It follows the ventures of one Wairimu, owner of the fashion brand Empress Crochets. And her contribution to Eldoret’s fashion scene courtesy of the bold, stunning, statement crochet bags she makes.
She started her business back in November 2019 with crochet outfits. This was after she saw a crochet short she wanted but had no idea where to get it ( A moment of silence for all the outfits we have saved on Instagram that we’ll never get to wear). Unlike us, mere screenshot experts, Wairimu wanted those shorts so bad she started checking out tutorials and learned how to crochet in the process. 1 year, and a few months later, she has managed to crochet fits so unique and so dope they have been featured in runway shows like Kitenge Fest.
If you understand art, design, and creativity, you know a designer’s work is never finished, and so when she got the crochet outfits down & handled, Wairimu decided to diversify into crochet bags which brings us to today’s topic; Is it time to switch out your leather and plastic bags for crochet bags.
Crochet bags are not only unique but they are also versatile, stylish, and edgy. Perfect if you are looking to make your wardrobe more upbeat and bold. They command attention in every room you walk in and can be the perfect companion to your OOTDs. If you are worried about durability, they are not made from ordinary wool yarn.
Per my knowledge, Empress Crochets is the only brand specializing in crochet bags and so I had a little chat about them with her.
Talking Crochet Bags With Empress Crochets Owner Wairimu
Steph: Why did you diversify into bags?
Wairimu: First, it’s the beauty in bags and the uniqueness. I really enjoy doing bags cause I’m a sucker for uniqueness. I also believe it’s something each lady needs, unlike the crochet outfits, which some women may not feel comfortable in.
Steph: Between bags and outfits which are more popular?
Wairimu: Outfits cause they’ve been around for quite some time. Bags are a new thing, especially in Kenya.I don’t think anyone else is making them, so it’ll take some time before they become quite popular.
Steph: Do you do the crochets yourself ama you have a team of people working under you?
Wairimu: Yes, I do them myself.
Steph: How would you describe your fashion brand?
Wairimu: Uniquely hanfcrafted crochet pieces customised to my clients’ needs and wants.
Steph: Where do you get the supplies you use to make the crochet bags in Eldy? Is it hard or are they readily available.
Wairimu: I import them from china, I don’t think some of the supplies I use such as the t-shirt yarn and plastic canvas mesh are locally available. Vitu kama floral linings, chains, and locks I buy them in Nairobi.
Steph: Share your social media handles and a contact number for those who would like to place orders.
Wairimu: @wairimu_ke on IG and Facebook @empress_crochets. Phone number:0712322489
Learning all I did about crochet bags, their history, and how they populated runway shows by big designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Celine, Christian Dior in 2020, I think they are a must-have for any fashion-savvy lass. But maybe they can coexist with our leather and plastic bags? I’m a sucker for bags, and I think those too are pretty fire.
Note: Empress Crochets will be having a Madaraka Day sale so be on the lookout for that.
